Like many who love poetry, I remember when I got hooked. I blame the Book of the Month Club.
I failed to mail in a card, of course, and I got this odd anthology of American poetry, which I've long since lost or given away. It included Alice Walker's "Goodnight, Willie Lee, I'll see you in the morning". Maybe you know that poem. Very short. You can take a deep breath and read the whole thing in one breath if you've got good pulmonology.
In spite of it's brevity, the poem gives us three characters we can see, a hint of a backstory, and just the right ending note of spiritual mystery. I love the poem and have since had a special love for the artistry of getting much said in a few words. I continue to love haiku, my refusal to publish it herein notwithstanding.
Spring thaw
a coughing fit
overcomes the puppeteer-author unknown, cited by Laurie Anderson
By the way, if I may self-indulge, the Alice Walker poem clobbered me in much the same way as when I first heard a recording of the John Coltrane Quartet performing "My Favorite Things." I could hardly believe it was done by mortal men.
allegedly mortal manSo, here's our collection of VERY short poems. I imposed a 50-word limit, rejecting the traditional line-limit approach, with, I think, lovely results. (I'm thinking I'll do a 25-word issue next year.) Thanks to the contributors, among whom you will find many of our regulars and some skilled first-timers. I hope you enjoy it.
